Supporting Our Community Through Drought Conditions
Dry and near-drought conditions are placing significant pressure on our farms, families, and regional communities. Strathbogie Shire Council stands with our residents during this difficult time and is here to help connect you with the support and resources available.
We understand these conditions affect not only crops and livestock, but also financial wellbeing and mental health. If you, your family, or neighbours are doing it tough, please know support is available.
Emergency Services Volunteers Fund (ESVF)
Effective from 1 July 2025, the Victorian Government is replacing the Fire Service Property Levy with the Emergency Services Volunteers Fund to finance a broad range of Emergency Services including the Country Fire Authority, Fire Rescue Victoria and the Victorian State Emergency Service, Triple Zero Victoria, Fore Fire Management Victoria and others.
For more information, click here: Emergency Services Volunteers Fund FAQs
💧 Dry Seasons and Drought Support
Agriculture Victoria – Dry Seasons and Drought Support
Comprehensive guidance for managing farms during dry seasons, including feed planning, animal welfare, and technical advice.
Dry Seasons and Drought Support | Agriculture Victoria
Goulburn Valley Mental Health Service
24/7 mental health crisis support.
Ph 1300 369 005
Mental Health and Wellbeing Local (Strathbogie, Greater Shepparton, Moira)
Free, no-referral outreach services for anyone aged 26 and over.
Ph 1300 000 559 or www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mhwlocal
Rural Aid
Wellbeing support, counselling, and practical assistance for farming families.
Ph 1300 175 594 or www.ruralaid.org.au
Agriculture Victoria – Financial Support Services
Access grants, subsidies, and advice for managing financial hardship.
Financial Support – Agriculture Victoria
Hardship Relief for Land Tax
Support available for eligible property owners facing financial difficulties.
State Revenue Office – Hardship Relief
ATO – Financial Hardship Requests
Support for superannuation and tax obligations due to financial hardship.
Rural Financial Counselling Service
Free, confidential support for farmers and rural small businesses.
Ph 1300 771 741 or www.rfcnetwork.com.au
Drought Angels
Providing direct practical and financial support to Aussie farmers and rural communities.
Rural Finance Grants
Farm Drought Support Grants program
The Victorian Government has established the Farm Drought Support Grants program (previously known as the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants). It aims to assist primary production businesses to implement on-farm infrastructure improvements and undertake essential business activities that improves drought management and preparedness.
Click here for more details: Rural Finance Grants
Let’s Look After Each Other
Times like these remind us of the strength and resilience in our rural communities. Please check in on your neighbours, share this information widely, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Drought 2025 advocacy
Click here to view our latest news stories, including what Strathbogie Shire Council is doing to support our region through the drought.
Quick contacts list
- Rural Finance (grants): Rural Finance Grants
- RFCS (free financial advice): 1300 834 775 | info@agbizassist.org.au
- National Centre for Farmer Health: Support Hub – Victoria
- State Agriculture Minister (The Honorable Ros Spence MP): ros.spence@parliament.vic.gov.au | 1300 622 308
- Federal Agriculture Minister (The Honorable Julie Collins MP): Minister.Collins@aff.gov.au | (07) 5531 1033
- Federal Member for Indi, Helen Haines MP: helen.haines.mp@aph.gov.au | 03 5721 7077
- Federal Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell MP: sam.birrell.mp@aph.gov.au | 03 5821 5371